Media & Community Education Ideas

Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. Working with neighbors can save lives and property. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a homeowner's association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Check with your local fire department to find out if they offer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

Know your neighbors' special skills (for example, medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.

Identify elderly and disabled people in the neighborhood. Ask them how you can help if a disaster threatens (transportation, securing the home, getting medications, etc.).